How many friends do you have? How many of them would call you their friend?

These questions challenged me several decades ago and still do.

Some people say we are fortunate to have one or two real friends in a lifetime. Do you agree?
 

Being in a mission community is a privilege. I have friends from around the world. If I’m traveling somewhere, I ask myself, “Who do I know there that I can visit?” But there is a big disadvantage as well. Once I get to know someone, they leave—either for a short time or forever. It can result over time in becoming “friend-shy” (don’t get close because they will just leave and that hurts). Some of those folks stay friends while others become acquaintances and others disappear from my life.
 

Another important group of potential friends are the local people. They are safer in that they are less likely to leave. They also have insights and understanding of the language, culture, and political events that an outsider/alien needs to know. Henrietta was such a person. She and her husband were Syrian-Sudanese. She shared recipes, told me where to find food I never guessed would be available, and taught me how to use a lemon squeezer correctly.
 

Peter M and Peter O, Onyoti, Nyikwec, Paul, and Otto taught me about the Shilluk language and culture, especially the significance of a shame/honor society. They are my brothers, and I hold each of them in my heart. Richard, Peter O, and Paul kept me up to date on the political climate and how to “make do” with repairs. Elizabeth and Arop showed me Sudanese hospitality and generosity. How did they feel when I left?
 

And what about the friends I had growing up? I’m still in touch, either in person or through Facebook with Marsha, Marcia, Jim, and Janet whom I knew in elementary school and at church. I roomed with Kay as a sophomore in college and got to know Teresa in graduate school – more than 50 years ago. These long-term friendships are very special as they, along with my family, knew me before “adulthood”. They knew me as a self-centered only-child and continued to love me anyway.
 

Yes, it is good to take a few minutes to remember those who love and accept us—even in our most unlovable moments. Maybe you could reach out to your friends and let them know they are appreciated.